Another of my favorite ranger quotes. Carl Sharsmith worked as a seasonal ranger for 64 years (he was a botany professor in the winter). He was still leading flower walks in his last year of life at 91 years old. When your work the visitor center desk, sometimes people will ask you, "If you had just one day to spend in Yosemite, what would you do?"

Sharsmith's answer was, "If I had only one day to spend in Yosemite, I would walk to the Merced River, put my face in my hands, and cry."

Much more so than the bear one, that one really did hit home for me. It's a beautiful response. I never dared to use it, though, because it's also a bit negative.

I must not fear.Fear is the mind-killer.Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.I will face my fear.I will permit it to pass over me and through me.And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.Only I will remain.